Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.
CFS is collaborating with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with new groundbreaking high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost.
The mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change.
If you are interested in joining our team, check out cfs.energy/careers for more information.
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.
CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. To implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.
CFS intends to fully displace fossil fuel production of electricity through a global deployment of thousands of ARC fusion power plants. As we continue to evolve and improve the design of our fusion power plants, we are looking for a Head of R&D Programs to oversee the development of key future technologies.
This role will work closely with the Chief Science Officer (CSO) and will be responsible for ensuring that the teams are developing and executing on needed technology roadmaps.
CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits. We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.
At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
This team member will:
Oversee and mentor a group of Program Leads who manage specific technical domains and manage small teams of domain expertsOversee long term technology development that will shape the design of future ARC Blocks - includes leading a team of experts to develop and execute on a technology road mapWork with Program Leads to prioritize lines of scientific and engineering inquiry according to the most pressing business needs of CFSWork collaboratively (in a matrix organization structure) with the Head of R&D Technology and Head of R&D Projects to prioritize the R&D projects that advance Program goalsEnsure that important learnings from programs are properly documented and disseminated to the rest of the organizationWork with Program Leads to develop a strategy for hiring the top domain experts in the worldDevelop a strategy to interface with the broader external communities in each technical domain area (i.e. strategy for publishing, presenting work at conferences)Work closely with Open Innovation and Program Leads to prioritize the highest-leverage collaborations with external centers of domain excellence (e.g. universities and national labs) and capabilitiesOwn and develop the process to stand up new Programs and evaluate the effectiveness of existing ProgramsMonitor technology developments to anticipate future scientific and technology disruptionsThe ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:
15+ years of experience running a large portfolio of high tech R&D programs in a commercial settingAdvanced technical degree in an engineering or related fieldPrevious experience conducting R&D work before moving into leadershipA strong proven ability to understand deeply technical, complex, and integrated products, including tokamaks, power plant systems, and superconducting magnetsProven ability to lead individuals with significant research credentials and experienceProven ability to hire exceptional technical talentExceptional problem-solving skillsResults oriented, get-stuff-done leadershipProven ability to work in a matrix structureExperience working in an R&D setting where large hardware and testing is involvedAdditional preferred experience and/or qualifications:
Perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of timeWillingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionallyDedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics#LI-Onsite